the Kerry Cliffs: Ultimate Guide to Visiting (2025)

The Kerry Cliffs are one of the most breathtaking cliffsides in Ireland. These cliffs were formed in a desert area more than 400 million years ago. The cliffs offer an incredible combination of the beautiful Irish countryside and dramatic seascape. Visiting the Kerry Cliffs was one of the highlights of my trip through Ireland, and I’m here to share with you everything you need to know before your visit to the
Kerry Cliffs!

How to Visit the Kerry Cliffs

Location of the Cliffs

The Kerry Cliffs are located on the west coast of Ireland, in County Kerry, and off of the famous Ring of Kerry drive. The cliffs themselves span over 4 miles and reach a height of 1000 feet above sea level. This makes them one of the highest cliffs in Ireland! They are right outside the small town center of Portmagee.
The address to the cliffs of Kerry is Foilnageragh, Portmagee, V23NV24 Co.Kerry. Drop this into your GPS and you’ll be good to go!

As you drive along the Ring of Kerry, you’ll come across a sign for the cliffs. Follow the road and park in the marked lot. From there, you can take a short walk to the entrance of the cliffs.

What to Expect at the Cliffs of Kerry

When you arrive at the cliffs, you will drive into a small parking lot and bathroom facilities. There is a small cafe and admission stand. From there, you’ll take a short walk up to the cliffs. The walk to the cliffs takes about 10 minutes. It’s a little steep, but nothing too crazy. Once you reach the cliffs, you’ll reach some incredible photo spots with views of the Atlantic and the Irish countryside behind you.

The cliffs themselves are over 1,000 feet high and offer stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding countryside. As you walk along the top of the viewpoints, you may even spot some wildlife such as puffins, depending on the season!

Parking at the cliffs

There is a parking lot for visitors to the Kerry Cliffs. You don’t have to pay to park at this time, it’s included in your admission ticket to the cliffs. The parking area is small but has more than enough space for people coming to the cliffs. If you’re worried about it, come earlier or later in the day for peace of mind when traveling.

The Cafe at the Cliffs

The tiny cafe by the parking lot is cute, but not always open. It wasn’t open when we were in Ireland in September. Keep that in mind if you want a cup of hot coffee or tea after a breezy walk!

Cost to Visit

The current cost for an adult ticket to the cliffs is 5-7 euro per person (prices change based on the year and season).

Best Time to Visit

The Kerry Cliffs are open on a seasonal basis, with opening hours of 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM. These opening hours can change depending on the weather. I’ve noticed that the cliffs seem to close in Jan – March, likely due to weather and/or maintenance. I recommend checking the Kerry Cliffs webpage for the most up-to-date information before planning your visit in cooler months.

Viewing Areas

There are multiple viewing areas along the cliffs. Walk to each one if you have time! Each viewpoint offers a different perspective of the Cliffs of Kerry.

Less Crowds at the Cliffs of Kerry

The Kerry Cliffs don’t ever really seem “crowded”, and certainly not like the Cliffs of Moher. Why? Because they’re not a usual stop by tour buses. It is easy to get there if you’re driving in Ireland however, and there are private tours that can also take you there.

The “Beehive Huts”

At the Kerry Cliffs, you will also find a surprise on your walk to the cliffs — a recreation of the “Beehive” looking ancient monastery huts that are the real deal on Skellig Michael. Star Wars fans may recognize the huts used in scenes in The Last Jedi. It’s amazing to see even the recreations up close and imagine what life was like for these monks so many years ago. If you’re lucky, you might even see Skellig Michael from the cliffs if the weather allows it!

Camping at the Cliffs

If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can camp out near the cliffs. They allow campervans, water usage, and the bathroom is available for use 24 hours a day. So if you want to wake up to view of the Atlantic Ocean, camping at the cliffs before you continue along the Ring of Kerry is a unique option.

My Experience at the Kerry Cliffs

I first visited the cliffs during a recent trip to Ireland. As soon as I walked up the hillside and to the edge of the cliffs, I was blown away by the landscape. I still think about how incredible it is that the countryside meets the sea edge like it does at these cliffs. The sea breeze, the crashing waves, and the countryside behind me, it just felt like something out of a movie! The Kerry Cliffs quickly became one of my favorite spots in Ireland.

Things to Do Nearby

Visit the rest of Portmagee

Portmagee is a small fishing village near the Cliffs of Kerry. It’s a perfect place to stop by for some great local food and take a walk along the Portmagee marina! You can also take a boat tour to the nearby Skellig Islands.

Take a journey of a lifetime to Skellig Michael

If you have more time on your trip, I highly recommend taking a boat tour to Skellig Michael from the nearby town of Portmagee to the Skellig Islands. Skellig Michael is a UNESCO site with ancient monastery ruins and also has incredible cliffsides and views. It’s well worth the visit!

Visit Dingle

Dingle is a popular town to visit about two hours from the Cliffs of Kerry. It’s known for its colorful streets, warm locals, and fresh seafood. If you do plan to visit Dingle, don’t miss the Gallarus Oratory! This ancient church was built over 1000 years ago and is a unique thing to see in Dingle.

Visit Sneem

Another great village to visit near the cliffs is Sneem. It’s about an hour from Portmagee, and a perfect place to stop on the Ring of Kerry. Sneem has some great little places to eat and shops to explore. The views from Sneem are also beautiful! We had lunch in Sneem on our drive around the Ring of Kerry and really enjoyed the area.

Continue from the Cliffs around the Ring of Kerry

Driving the full Ring of Kerry is a must! I know driving in a foreign country can be intimidating, but trust me when I say that driving the Ring of Kerry is worth the nerves. The scenery along the Ring of Kerry is so beautiful and there are plenty of opportunities to stop for photos.
One of the best parts about driving along the Ring of Kerry is the opportunity to pull over. There are so many great viewpoints that have pullover stops along the road. Alternatively, you could do a private Ring of Kerry tour if you want to visit the cliffs and Ring of Kerry, but don’t want to drive yourself.

Cliffs of Kerry FAQ

How long is the Kerry Cliff walk?

The walk from the parking lot to any of the cliff viewpoints is about 10 minutes. From each viewpoint to the next, they are about 5-10 minutes in between, depending on your pace.

Who owns the Cliffs of Kerry?

John O’Donoghue is the owner of the cliffs viewing area. It is run by the O’Donoghue family in Portmagee. They developed the walkways to the cliffs to make it family friendly and promote tourism in rural Ireland.

Are the Kerry Cliffs higher than the Cliffs of Moher?

The Kerry Cliffs are higher than the Cliffs of Moher, reaching over 1000 ft. The Cliffs of Moher reach 702 feet at the highest point of the cliffs.

Which is better Cliffs of Moher or Ring of Kerry?

The Cliffs of Moher are one of the most famous cliffsides in Ireland. In contrast, the Ring of Kerry is a 112 mile drive around the region. Usually this drive is started from Killarney. The Cliffs of Moher are quite a bit farther north, so if you’re visiting Galway or Limerick, they could be a better option.
I did a full comparison of the Cliffs of Kerry and the Cliffs of Moher, but really it boils down to personal preference. They provide different experiences, and are in two different areas of Ireland.

Are the Cliffs of Kerry worth visiting?

The Cliffs of Kerry are 1000% worth visiting. I was glad they were the first cliffs I ever saw in Ireland! They have fewer crowds (more like none when I was there in September), and they are just breathtaking.

Distance from Dingle

If you’re traveling from Dingle to the Kerry Cliffs, it is approximately a 2-hour drive. While it may seem like a long drive, it will fly by. The drive route is wonderful and worth it!

Distance from Killarney

If you’re staying in Killarney, the Kerry Cliffs are about an hour and a half’s drive. You can take the N72 road to Killorglin and then follow the signs for the Ring of Kerry. Alternatively, there are private tours from Killarney of the Ring of Kerry and the Kerry Cliffs!

Distance from Portmagee

The Cliffs of Kerry are about 20 minutes away from Portmagee. You can easily include a visit to the cliffs in your itinerary if you want to explore Portmagee and Skellig Michael or the Skellig Islands.

Final Notes

If you decide to visit the cliffs in Portmagee, you won’t be disappointed. These cliffsides are magnificent and offer out-of-this-world views of the Atlantic. If you’re wondering what cliffs to visit while you’re in Ireland, I definitely think you should add the Kerry Cliffs to your list!

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